Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Infrastructure: Rural Communities

Thursday 13 February 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Norfolk's Thickthorn junction needs upgrading to support economic growth and new housing development.
  • Dr Caroline Johnson campaigns for a lift at Sleaford's grade II listed railway station to improve accessibility.
  • The Rail Minister will write to Dr Caroline Johnson regarding the specifics of the accessibility proposals for Sleaford station.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Goldsborough Lab South Norfolk
Economy Transport Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about the outdated Thickthorn junction in his constituency which needs upgrading to support economic growth and unlock new homes.

Question

Norfolk’s economy, to fire on all cylinders, needs a decent rural road network. The Thickthorn junction in my constituency is outdated and urgently needs upgrading to support growth and unlock new homes. Will the Minister back the project and visit to see at first hand why the Government should put Norfolk at the heart of our investment plans?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)

My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for the needs of his rural constituents. The central mission of this Government is to support economic growth, and this is one of a number of road investments under consideration. In the past week, we have approved upgrades to four major road projects across England. On the specific scheme, I hope to be able to say more in the coming weeks, and perhaps I will be visiting his constituency.

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Q2 Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham
Transport
Context

The MP has campaigned for a lift at the Sleaford railway station to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

Question

Sleaford has a beautiful grade II listed railway station in popular use. However, it is very difficult for those with disabilities to access the second platform because there is no lift. I have long campaigned for a lift, and I worked with East Midlands Railway, with the financial support of the previous Government, on a feasibility study for a lift that is in keeping with the heritage station. Will this Government back access for my constituents and access for people to come and visit our beautiful town?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)

I thank the hon. Lady for that question. Improving accessibility in our railways stations is incredibly important. I am sure that the Rail Minister will be happy to write to her on the specifics of her station and to consider the proposals that have been made.

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